A Delmar, DE, police officer is reportedly on a ventilator and fighting for his life after he was brutally beaten Sunday morning while responding to a fight call.
Cpl. Keith Heacook responded to a 9-1-1 call about a fight in progress at a house around 5 a.m. A 9-1-1 caller reported that one of the occupants, who was later identified as Randon Wilkerson, was being disorderly, fighting with other people in the house, and destroying items inside the home, WBOC TV reports.
Moments later, a separate 9-1-1 call was received from a neighbor across the street from the original caller, saying he and his wife had been assaulted by a man.
Heacook responded to the house of the initial call and was met with a physical confrontation with Wilkerson inside the home, according to police.
A woman inside the home reportedly witnessed a man "slam his foot down on (the officer's head) repeatedly" as the officer was face down and appeared unconscious. How the officer ended up on the floor is unclear.
Heacock was found unconscious by backup officers.
He was taken to a local hospital and then to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.
“Corporal Keith Heacook is a 22 year veteran and has been employed with our department since 1998.” said Chief Ivan Barkley of Delmar Police Department, “He is a husband, son, brother, and father. Keith is fighting for his life right now and he needs your prayers along with the elderly couple who were also injured. Members from the Delmar Police appreciate the outpouring of community support as we continue to move forward. We appreciate the support from the Delaware State Police, Wicomico County Sheriffs Office, Maryland State Police, and all other agencies who responded and are assisting with this investigation.”
A suspect, 30-year-old Randon D. Wilkerson, has been arrested by Delaware State Police.
